Dr. Aidan Harney & Dr. Jonathan Reams - Passionately Detached Curiosity
Jan 25, 2023
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Dr. Aidan Harney, Global Talent Management & Leadership Development manager for Intel Corporation’s FSM division, talks about the importance of curiosity in leadership and the components of conation. They discuss how curiosity should extend beyond the professional realm, the significance of perseverance, and the book 'Leadership and Self-Deception'. They also explore the developmental differences between level four and level five leaders.
Passionately detached curiosity is a key characteristic of effective leaders transitioning from LDL level 4 to LDL level 5, emphasizing intentionality, a quest-based leadership philosophy, and mental flexibility.
Transitioning from LDL level 4 to LDL level 5 involves deconstructing one's sense of self and embracing a radically open-minded curiosity, which requires persevering through fear, embracing ambiguity, and cultivating a reflexive mindset for wise decision-making.
Deep dives
The Power of Passionately Detached Curiosity
Passionately detached curiosity is a key characteristic of effective leaders transitioning from LDL level 4 to LDL level 5. These leaders exhibit a strong sense of purpose, but are able to hold it lightly, focusing more on intentionality and a quest-based leadership philosophy. They demonstrate a broad range of values and are driven by curiosity and a desire for growth and learning. Additionally, they possess the ability to disengage from goals or projects when necessary, displaying mental flexibility and adaptability. Finally, these leaders reflect on their own leadership identity and have the moral fortitude to engage in challenging dialogues and tap into their own shadows. Overall, their leadership is marked by wisdom in action and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.
The Transition from LDL 4 to LDL 5
Transitioning from LDL level 4 to LDL level 5 involves a deconstruction of one's sense of self and a shifting mindset. It requires letting go of fear-driven motivations and embracing a radically open-minded curiosity. Leaders at LDL level 5 are motivated by a quest for new knowledge and experiences. They have the ability to ask the right questions, not be attached to a fixed identity, and lean into challenges. This transition involves persevering through fear, embracing ambiguity, and cultivating a reflexive mindset. By doing so, leaders develop a wisdom in their actions and make decisions with intentionality.
The Role of Conation in Leadership
Conation, the ability to set and pursue goals with perseverance, plays a critical role in leadership. Leaders who exhibit conation demonstrate clear purpose and goal orientation. They possess mental toughness and are resilient in the face of ambiguity. They have the ability to disengage from goals when necessary and reflect on their progress and impact. Conation is closely tied to ethical and moral considerations in leadership. Through curiosity and the willingness to try new approaches, leaders with conation broaden their perspective and continually adapt to complexity.
The Significance of Broad Values and Moral Fortitude
Effective leaders at LDL level 5 possess broad values that guide their intentionality. These values allow them to navigate complex, dynamic environments and address the needs of diverse stakeholders. They exhibit moral fortitude, engaging in challenging dialogues and considering ethical implications. These leaders reflect on their leadership identity, embrace uncertainty, and actively seek growth and learning. By embracing a mindset of passionately detached curiosity, leaders can let go of fear and attachment, opening themselves up to new possibilities and creating meaningful impact.
Dr. Aidan Harneyserves as Global Talent Management & Leadership Development manager for Intel Corporation’s Fabrication, Sort & Manufacturing, or FSM, division. This is a 12,000-strong organisation, responsible for the production of all internal Intel silicon using some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing processes. Since joining Intel in 2014, Aidan has held various roles in Leadership Development, Organizational Development, and Talent Management. In his most recent role, he was responsible for developing Intel’s enterprise-wide executive development curriculum – Leading Now – as well as the Ireland Leadership Development ‘Accelerator’ program to enable Project BlueJay, the latest manufacturing expansion in Ireland, paving the way for the production of Intel’s new 7nm process technology.
Aidan is an ‘Intel Achievement Award’ recipient (the highest annual recognition Intel can bestow on its employees) for his work on designing and deploying Intel’s ‘Managing @ Intel’ program to all 13,000 people managers in all global locations across the corporation. Aidan earned his Ph.D. from Munster Technological University in Cork in, Ireland. His doctoral research focused on the aspects of mindset which differentiate outstanding leaders operating in complex environments.
He resides in Ireland with his partner, Raphael, and they have family in Ireland, Australia, and Brazil. Aidan enjoys hosting dinners for friends, spending time in the great outdoors in Ireland, and volunteering with two organizations: Sport Ireland, which enables participation in sports for people of all abilities and ages, and ‘Aware,’ which supports people affected by depression and bipolar disorder. Aidan’s dog Harry – a tea-cup Yorkshire Terrier – is 16 years old and weighs 4 lbs!
A Quote From This Episode
"One of the greatest themes of my work with senior leaders - whether it was leaders from financial services, engineering, retail, or even academia - was that they wish they had led with less fear and more intentionality during their quest, which I think is a profound and fascinating finding."
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